The Italian national team's top job became available when Cesare Prandelli resigned following a poor World Cup in which the Azzurri failed to progress past the group stage.

But Buffon said he is not convinved the Conte, who won three successive Serie A titles with Juventus, is ready to take up a new challenge quite yet.

"Conte is a coach who would be well suited to any locker room in the world. People love him for his passion, his professionalism, his desire to win and his determination," Buffon told Sky Sport Italia.

"However, I heard his interview and when asked precisely about the Italy job, he seemed dubious. He appeared to be someone who wanted time for himself after such a decision."